Interlocking coupling for lightning-rods



(No Model.)

G. R. KRESS.

INTERLOGKING COUPLING FOR LIGHTNING RODS.

No. 373,407. Patented Nov. 15, 1887.

INVENTOR,

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE E. KRESS, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

INTERLOCKING COUPLING FOR LlGHTNING-RODS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 373,407, dated November 15, L887.

Application filed January .24, 1887. Serial No. 225,244.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE E. KREss, of Pittsburg, county ofAllegheny, State of Pennsylvania, have invented or discovered a new and useful Improvement in Interlocking Couplings forLightning-Rods; andIdohercby declare the following to be a full, clear, concise, and exact description thereof, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification, in which (like letters indicating like parts)- Figure 1 shows in completed form and position the character of my device for coupling or uniting the adjacent ends of two sections of lightningrod. Fig. 2 shows more in detail the manner of applying the sleeve or sliding cover to the interlocked ends of the rods. Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the sleeve taken on the line to x in Fig. 2, and Figs. 4 and 5 show the ends of the sections of lightning conductors as prepared for interlocking.

This invention relates to that class of lightning-rods which are formed in sections and united by interlocking-joints without the use of rivets, and has for its object to simplify and cheapen and render more durable and efficient in operation this class of devices.

The invention consists in the peculiar combinations and the novel construction and arrangement and adaptation of parts, all as more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

Referring to the drawings by letter, A B designate the two sections to be joined. They are preferably star-shaped in cross-section. The part B is cut away at o'ne end, as shown at A, to form a fiat bearing, to the rear of which is the slot 6, which extends through the part B, the rib d of which isalso cutaway to form a recess, d, in which fits the tongue (4 of the part A, which tongue passes through the slot b, the end of the rib dbeyond the said slot fitting in the cut-away portion a of the part A back of the tongue a, the two sections thus being interlocked and firmly held together. In order to hold the ends thus united firmly in place, I employ asliding sleeve, 8,

(No model.)

adapted to conform closely to the shape of the rod, and which is shown in cross section in Fig. 3. This sleeve should be made of the same material as that forming the rods. In use this sleeve is slipped on one end of one of the sections and pushed far enough back thereon to allow the connection to be made between the interlocking ends, as above described. This having been done,-it is pushed back over the ends of the interlocked sections, covering thejoint and acting as a brace for the said connection and strengthening the same.

\Vhat I claim is 1. Inaninterlocking coupliugforlightning rods, the combination, with the section B, formed with longitudinal slot b, and rib cl, cut away to form recess (1', of the section A, formed with tongue at to engage the said slot and cutaway portion a to the rear of said tongue, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

2. Inaninterlocking couplingforlightning rods, the combination, with the section B, formed with longitudinal slot 1), and rib d, cut away to form recess (1', of the section A, formed with tongue a to engage saidslot and cutaway portion 0 to the rear of said tongue, and the sleeve 8, embracing the joint thus formed between said sections, substantially as described.

3. In aninterlocking coupling forlightningrods, section B, cut away at one end, as at A, to form a fiat bearing and having slot 12 to the rear of said fiat bearing, and rib cl, cut away to form recess d, combined with the section A, formed with tongue at and cutaway portion a to the rear of said tongue, and the sleeve 8, embracing the joint thus formed between the adjacent ends of said sections, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

GEORGE E. KRESS.

\Vitnesses:

J. LINCOLN RALPH, WV. P. POTTER. 

